Forest win can set the stage for another crack at Europe
As Roberto De Zerbi said in his post-match interview following the win over Nottingham Forest, it had been a very tough 10 days for Brighton.
The 1-0 FA Cup loss to Wolves. The 3-0 Premier League defeat at Fulham. And then being beaten 4-0 by Roma in the Europa League round of 16 first leg.
There was little time to rest between Thursday night’s game in the Stadio Olimpico and taking on the Tricky Trees on Sunday afternoon.
That meant three points secured in any which way possible would be seen as a good result. Brighton may have needed an own goal to get there, but the victory and what it can do for morale was easily the most important thing.
It sets the stage for another crack at finishing in the top seven and qualifying for Europe again next season. In amongst all the doom and gloom of the past few weeks, Brighton still sit eighth in the Premier League on 42 points.
The final 10 games of the season do contain some difficult matches, starting with the Albion’s next league fixture against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday 31st March.
But as we all know, Brighton have been there and beaten the best teams before. And we can do it again. Especially if some of the players currently out injured are ready to assist by that time.
The Albion can also take confidence from their good home record, with no defeats at the Amex in the Premier League since losing to West Ham back in August.
It was therefore great to be back home again, even if the weather was damp and wet. There was a good turnout for Mother’s Day from the Forest support, who were in good voice.
I always watch the highlights of games back on both BBC Match of the Day and My Albion TV. Commentator Stephen Baker summed things up nicely before kick off, saying: “The lads will have to channel every ounce of their spirit and togetherness which they have in abundance to get back to winning ways.”
And grind out a result they did on what was BHAFC Foundation Community Matchday. Hopefully, the charity got lots of publicity and new supporters.
They really need more of us to donate on a monthly basis to help them out. It only needs to be a small sum, which I know is difficult these days. But if you can spare a few quid, there are more details about becoming a Community Champion here.
I was particularly impressed by Carlos Baleba against Forest. He looked like he is starting to find his confidence and really demonstrated what an important player he is gong to be for Brighton.
Baleba had the first shot of the game, just missing Forest’s left hand post. Referee Michael Salisbury ended up issuing eight yellow cards, the first of which went very early to Nicolas Dominguez and gave Brighton a free kick on the right side.
Pascal Gross delivered and Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels had to make a great save, keeping out a header from Jakub Moder.
The Albion were getting a lot of joy down that right side. Another Gross delivery gave Fati a headed chance which Forest managed to block.
Whilst Brighton kept the pressure on but could not score, there was always this nagging concern that Forest would get a break and the Albion would be 1-0 down.
A goal would settle the nerves and that is exactly what we got on 29 minutes. Gross sent another free kick delivery in from the right and as luck what have it, good old Ricky O’Shay knocked it into Forest defender Andre Omobamidele to be credited with the own goal.
Served Omobamidele right if you ask me. He had already committed two fouls by that point, including the one giving away the free kick which led to Brighton taking the lead. Karma!
Forest boss Nuno did not look best pleased when the camera panned to him after that goal went in. His mood cannot have improved when Divock Origi went through one-on-one, only for his shot to be kept out by an amazing save from the legs of Bart Verbruggen.
Half time came with Brighton 1-0 ahead. During the break, we heard more about the Albion Foundation’s great work. The Amex was able to stand and show its appreciation.
How then would part two pan out? More Albion goals would ne nice, but as we all knew a win was most important, keeping Forest out at the other end was the priority.
There was a lucky escape for Moder when he should have received a red card for a tackle on Neco Williams, making Nuno even more miserable.
In truth, not much happened in the second half other than that Moder moment until Adam Lallana came on. Brighton suddenly came back to live, playing some impressive football.
Julio Enciso came closer than anyone to scoring, reminding us all what he can do from 35 yards. Enciso let go a rocket of a shot, only a metre of so wide of the post.
There was some late pressure from Forest, including another good Verbruggen save from Wood this time. Brighton though managed to hold on and grab the three points.
Not the greatest of games, but who cares? Onto Roma next, where I have not written the lads off just yet. We all know strange things can happen in football, including miracle comebacks.
If Brighton were to overcome the Romans, then this could yet be the Seagulls greatest ever season…
Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony
Seagulls Best Ever Season Volume 2 charts Brighton’s record breaking 2022-23 campaign through the eyes of Tony Noble, an East Stand Upper season ticket holder at the American Express Stadium. It is available from Waterstones, WHSmith, Amazon Bookstore and all good bookshops as well as the Albion Superstore at the Amex and via this link.
